Head injury
05/05/2011

Family of dead man may make a work injury claim

The family of a 55-year-old man, whose fatal work accident took place in May 2008, could now choose to make a work injury claim for their loss.

The incident occurred when the employee of a car mat manufacturing firm, based in Tottenham, London, was carrying out maintenance and repairs on one of the factory's rubber-mixing machines.

During this routine procedure, a heavy steel fabrication barrier fell onto him causing a fatal head injury.

Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the barrier had not been satisfactorily secured, instead being propped up vertically on some containers of rubber compound powder.

The HSE successfully prosecuted the company after it admitted that it had no safe system in place for workers undertaking maintenance and failed to supervise or review employee activities.

The firm was found in breach of regulations and was fined £20,000, plus ordered to pay court costs of £13,100.

An HSE inspector stated, "This tragic death was utterly preventable.

"Maintenance is a process that affects every aspect of safety and health and when a tragedy such as this occurs it demonstrates the importance of planning when carrying out maintenance work.

"Unfortunately it is too late for [the victim], but I would hope employers in London and around the UK will take note."

Now that the company has pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them, the family of the casualty might decide to make a work injury claim.